NSA says latest Schmallenberg case must be fully investigated to aid understanding of the virus

National Sheep Association is fully in support of a thorough and rapid investigation, following the discovery of Schmallenberg in Dyfed, West Wales, earlier this week.

Joanne Pugh, NSA Senior Communications Officer, said: “It’s disappointing to hear that Schmallenberg has been circulating in West Wales, as we thought it had not spread that far at this stage.

“We understand that investigations are going to be carried out at the farm by AHVLA and Welsh Government, and it is vital that these are carried out quickly and thoroughly, so we add to our limited understanding of the virus.

“NSA continues to push for a vaccine to be developed and licenced for UK use as quickly as possible, as we just do not know what is around the corner with this disease. This new case proves that point and shows how important it is for Defra and others to continue to look at vaccination options. In the meantime farmers must be vigilant to signs of infection, as it is only by seeing different cases that we can lean more.”

Commenting specifically on this latest farm to be affected, Miss Pugh said: “Our thoughts are with the family involved, as it is very distressing to be hit by Schmallenberg through no fault of their own and with no real way of knowing where the virus came from or what long-term affects it might have.”